Credentials

Credentials

Tom Lunsford, CO

My email meter has been humming on this topic lately and consider the
sensitivity on the matter to be on an all time high.

Many ABC practitioners seem to focus on the difference in cost. Well, if the
credentials are equal, then one has to admire the efficiency of the BOC folks
for having a lower cost and more stream line process.

Some of you decry the intellectual differences (education) between the two
credentialing organizations and suggest that the patients will lose. You seem
to have the stronger view.

For many years when I was involved in O&P education the graduates who where
pursuing the old ABC pathways were very disappointed with the technical skills
of the board eligibles. Teach more craftsmanship, more technical skills,
less didactics, etc. However, the clinical depth was not compromised and the
response of the profession was the residency.

The baccalaureate requirement was as far as I know the last significant step
the ABC took to expand the average practitioner's knowledge. Since then
syllabi have changed somewhat, some institutions have disappeared, and what is
everybody so proud of?

There is one thing I am certain of ----a body of knowledge will shrink (sic,
collapse) if it does not expand. Substantiating the existing knowledge or
discovering new ideas and concepts is the fuel that leads to more effective
patient care and an elevated position in the allied health community.

Perhaps the union of ABC and BOC is a good thing. Those of you who are truly
committed to higher standards of patient care, should pursue your ideals thru
reform of the ABC or take the bold initiative and combine your energy towards
a separate credentialing board.

Those of you in BOC should do everything in your power to improve your
knowledge and prove the naysayers wrong. This is your chance. Take every
opportunity to learn more depth about pathokinesiology, gait, materials, design,
evaluation, etc.

I believe this issue is important for another reason. ABC practitioners have
an opportunity for introspection as to the fiber and depth of their chosen
pathway and BOC practitioners have an opportunity to share their superior
technical skills.

In either case, good luck.

Tom Lunsford